What Is a Career Break?
A career break is a period during which an individual voluntarily steps away from their professional career for a significant amount of time. Reasons for taking a career break can vary widely, including personal development, travel, study, health issues, family commitments, or pursuing a passion project. Unlike short-term leaves, such as vacation or sick leave, career breaks are longer, ranging from several months to years, and are not typically covered by standard employment policies.
Key Features of a Career Break
- Voluntary Decision: Choosing to take a career break is usually a personal decision not dictated by employer policies.
- Extended Duration: Career breaks last significantly longer than standard leave, often several months to years.
- Diverse Reasons: Individuals take career breaks for various reasons, including personal growth, travel, study, or caregiving responsibilities.
- Employment Gap: A career break creates a gap in professional employment history, which can influence future employment opportunities.
How Does a Career Break Work?
- Planning and Decision-Making: The individual decides on taking a career break, considering financial stability, timing, and personal goals.
- Notification: If currently employed, the individual discusses their plans with their employer to explore possibilities such as a sabbatical or unpaid leave arrangement.
- Transition: The individual prepares for the career break, transitioning responsibilities at work and planning for the break’s duration.
- During the Break: The individual pursues their planned activities, such as travel, study, or personal projects.
- Re-Entry: Towards the end of the career break, the individual prepares to re-enter the workforce, which may involve skill updates, networking, and job searching.
Best Practices for Managing a Career Break
- Clear Objectives: Set clear goals for what you wish to achieve during the career break, whether it’s skill development, personal growth, or other objectives.
- Financial Preparation: Ensure financial stability for the duration of the break, including a buffer for unexpected expenses.
- Professional Networking: Maintain professional contacts and stay informed about industry trends to ease the re-entry process.
- Skill Development: Use the time to acquire new skills or certifications that can enhance your employability upon return.
- Documentation: Keep a record of activities and achievements during the break to share with future employers.